Washington, D.C. (September 20, 2007) - D.C. United announced today the club has named Dave Kasper the team's General Manager. Kasper has served as the club's Technical Director since joining United from the New England Revolution. Kasper's expanded role has him overseeing the organization's soccer-related elements, including all aspects of the first team, reserve team, youth development system and the D.C. United Academy.
"Displaying an unmatched work ethic, Dave Kasper deserves a great deal of credit for the success our team has enjoyed over the past six seasons," said United President and CEO Kevin Payne. "Not only has Dave become a master of the unique rules and regulations of Major League Soccer, but he has developed a true understanding of the international market. Dave has nurtured great working relationships with our coaches and, together, they have developed tremendous contacts that have helped United identify outstanding players both domestically and internationally."
D.C. United has achieved great success with Kasper serving as Technical Director. This season will mark the fifth straight playoff appearance since Kasper assumed his duties with the organization in 2002. The team won MLS Cup in 2004 and the Supporters' Shield in 2006. At the heart of this success have been key acquisitions through international signings and the MLS SuperDraft. Kasper's efforts have led to the signing of talented foreign players, such as 2007 MLS MVP candidate Luciano Emilio, 2006 League MVP Christian Gomez, Fred and Facundo Erpen, a 2006 All-Star defender for the Black-and-Red. Under Kasper's guidance, the club has drafted several key contributors, including: Brian Carroll (2003), Josh Gros (2004), Rod Dyachenko (2006), Devon McTavish (2006) and Guy-Roland Kpene (2007) as well as signing an unheralded Bobby Boswell prior to the 2005 season.
Kasper also led successes through the engineering of trades and development of younger players. This year alone, he fortified United's back line by trading for Greg Vanney and Marc Burch. The club has also upgraded several players from developmental deals to the senior roster during his tenure and has established a youth system and Academy programming that will see United develop young talent for years to come.
"D.C. United stands alone as the best franchise in MLS," commented Kasper. "I've been fortunate to work closely with Kevin Payne and learn from his vast experience and success in the game, and I am grateful that he has provided me the opportunity to grow within the organization. The professionalism and commitment of our players and front office is truly amazing and it is a pleasure to work together on a daily basis towards reaching our collective goals. I look forward to continuing to work hard alongside Tom Soehn and our team staff to continue the club's success. I want to thank the best fans in the United States for their passion and support, and give a special thanks to our co-managing partners, Will Chang and Victor MacFarlane, for their desire and commitment to take our club to the next level."
"From an ownership perspective, we are committed to fielding a championship-caliber team each year," added United Co-Managing Partner Will Chang. "We feel we're best suited to continue to perform at a high level with Dave overseeing all soccer operations. His efforts have obviously been key to our successes the past several years and he is deserving of this opportunity. On a personal note, I've really enjoyed traveling internationally and working alongside Dave this season. Be it in Washington, DC or countless locations worldwide, Dave has been a great source of knowledge and enjoyment, and I look forward to continuing our working relationship."
Prior to joining D.C. United, Kasper gained a wide variety of soccer experience as a player, coach and front office executive. After a successful professional career, Kasper transitioned into coaching becoming the first head coach of Duquesne University in 1994. In 1998, Kasper was hired as the first Vice President/General Manager of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL-1). The following year he led the team to the playoffs and helped the club earn 'Organization of the Year' honors. Kasper continued his career with the New England Revolution, serving as Director of Business Development for the 2001 campaign.
Kasper's playing career began at the University of Maryland where he was an All-ACC forward and a member of the Under-20 U.S. Men's National Team. He played professionally with the Milwaukee Wave (1989-90) and the Pittsburgh Stingers (1990-94) of the Major Indoor Soccer League.
